Proclamation estimated at up to €80,000

An original printing of the Proclamation, a 35mm one-minute newsreel by Pathe of the Irish Peace Congress, an important archive of documents relating to the Wyse family of Co Waterford and the medals of Comdt Larry Lardner are among the rarities at James Adam in Dublin next Wednesday, Apr 18.

More than 650 lots relating to 800 years of Irish political, literary and military history will feature in a sale to be conducted over sessions, at 11am and 6pm.

There are rare photographic plates of Dublin in the immediate aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising, photographic plates depicting figures like Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera and Arthur Griffith, memoriam cards, sculpture and a huge variety of documents of interest to historians and collectors. A set of six photographic plates of the Black and Tans and other regular British Forces in Dublin is estimated at €300-€500. Adams reckon that not much more than 50 original copies of the Proclamation exist. The one to be sold next week is estimated at €60,000-€80,000. The archive of documents relating to the Wyse family is numbered 1-25 and will be sold as a single lot with an estimate of €100,000-€150,000. Significant documents of this early period relating to Irish property and family history are of the utmost rarity; and a coherent collection such as the one presented, dating back to 1315, is probably unique. Another great rarity is the Easter Rising Medal and War of Independence Medal of Commandant Larry Lardner – Commanding Officer of The Galway Brigade Irish Volunteers Easter 1916 and afterwards. These are estimated at €8,000-€12,000. Viewing is from 1pm to 5pm tomorrow and from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday and Tuesday.